Cristi | June 29, 2009

May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships so that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in the world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.

Amen.

Category: Faith, Human Trafficking, Moldova, Purposes and Plans | 1 Comment »
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Cristi | June 15, 2009

The Natashas by Victor Malarek

It took quite some time, but I finished! Many people told me to read this book to learn about sex trafficking, especially regarding Eastern Europe. They pointed me in the right direction! 

The Natashas is like a bunch of  newspaper articles put together into a book. There are so many names and dates and details. It’s filled with information about how trafficking takes place and about the politics of it and the ways it is (and isn’t) being fought. This book also has a definite “column writer” feel to it. The writer speaks his mind about the issue. It’s loaded with emotional and personal storytelling that brings each person involved ”to life.” The victims. The traffickers. Those who are helping. Those who stand by and let it happen. Those who create the demand.  It’s hard to believe that these are all real life events unfolding on the pages.

Because of this read, I feel a greater frustration with the depravity of man. I don’t expect sin to end on this earth anytime soon, that’s for sure. But, I hold a strong hope that we can make a difference for the better, especially through the power of Jesus Christ. I want to do whatever I can to stop this terrible injustice.

Let me make a suggestion to read this very informative book. It’s not an easy read. However, it will give you a broader understanding about what’s really going on. The more we know, the more effective we can be in our prayers and in our efforts to make a change.

Category: Human Trafficking, Moldova, Purposes and Plans | No Comments »
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Cristi | June 8, 2009

Pastor Laura blogs for Highland Church at http://pastorlauras.blogspot.com/

I’m completely new to blogging. I actually prefer the smell of old books to the lighted screen and humming of the computer. So, I haven’t done much reading online. I’m pretty “green” when it comes to knowing what I should and shouldn’t be doing. Because I have an interest in writing, I figured that blogging would be a great way to practice. Now that I’m “off and running”, I’ve decided I should probably start reading some of the other blogs that are out there. What fun!

My friend, Kate, was one of my inspirations for beginning this website adventure. She has a great blog about being a creative mom. I’ve discovered many inspiring things at Coming Up Rosemary. But, I’m discovering new blogs, too. Just today, I discovered that one of my other friends just recently started writing about her role as an abolitionist, which interests me greatly. She also shares about her experiences with adoption and parenting a special needs child. Check out The Sol Train. As I was navigating her site, I came across Sara Groves’ blog. Yay! She’s my favorite music artist, who also shares a passion for social justice issues. Of course I enjoyed reading through her thoughts and watching some videos. 

I have some other favorites for creative inspiration listed, here, too. Check them out. And, please let me know if there are other sites I should make sure to visit. I’m excited to discover more!

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Cristi | June 8, 2009

Choose Your Own Adventure

READING   As a child of the 80’s, I found great pleasure in laughing through the adventures of Ramona Quimby. I held my breath as I tried to figure out the clues that Encyclopedia Brown discovered. I joined the boxcar children in their cozy little train home that they shared without their parents. As I got older, I read straight through Judy Blume’s box set. Yes, I even remember hiding my copy of “Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret” from my mom, thinking she might take it away from me if she knew what I was reading. Pretty racy stuff. Those books represented a sort of invisible friend whom I shared a special part of my life with. I think they probably shaped who I became, in many ways.

WRITING   I know this sounds super nerdy, but I loved writing papers in college. Partially because I love to write. Partially because my major, Behavioral Sciences, was genuinely interesting to me. I spent way too long perfecting my essays until I was truly proud of my work. And, my grades reflected it. 

ARITHMETIC (or, how they add up)   As I was reading “The Dream Giver” by Bruce Wilkenson a few years ago, I consciously connected those two pieces of me. I began to wonder if perhaps I might use my desire to write for the benefit of pre-teen readers. Might my interest in human psychology unite with my faith to help shape young girls through fiction books? Could being a published author be a part of my future? I hope so.

Our lives are real life “Choose Your Own Adventures”.  We can use what we’ve learned as we make our decisions. What interests and talents have you discovered from the pages of your life that might help you make the most out of the rest of your story?

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